Fake (predatory) journals exist only to collect money and do not follow proper peer review. Real journals follow strict academic standards and proper review process.
Fake Journals (Predatory Journals)
- Accept paper in 1–3 days
- No reviewer comments
- Ask for publication fee immediately
- Claim fake indexing (Scopus / SCI)
- Use copied logos (IEEE, Springer, etc.)
- Very broad scope (accept all subjects)
- Poor website with grammar mistakes
- No real editorial board
- No real publisher
- Low quality or copied papers
Real Journals (Reputed Journals)
- Take weeks or months for review
- Provide reviewer comments
- Ask for revisions
- Clear indexing proof (Scopus / SCI)
- Have real publisher (IEEE, Springer, Elsevier, ACM)
- Focused research scope
- Professional website
- Real editors and reviewers
- High quality published papers
- Accepted by universities
Comparison Table
| Fake Journals | Real Journals |
|---|---|
| Fast acceptance | Slow and proper review |
| Money focused | Quality focused |
| Fake indexing | Real indexing |
| No revision | Multiple revisions |
| Poor paper quality | High paper quality |
How to Identify a Fake Journal
- Check Scopus or Web of Science source list
- Check publisher name
- Check review time
- Check past issues
- Search: journal name + fake
Summary
- Fake journals = pay and publish
- Real journals = review and publish
- Avoid journals with instant acceptance
- Always verify indexing
Source: sureshtechlabs.com